Epigenetics

The video explores the complexity of genetic traits, emphasizing that traits like eye color are polygenic and not as simple as Punnett squares suggest. It introduces epigenetics, explaining how identical twins can have different disease outcomes due to epigenetic factors. The video details how epigenetic marks, such as methylation, influence gene activity and provides examples in rodents, like the GR and agouti genes. It discusses the inheritance of epigenetic marks and their role in development. The importance of epigenetics in understanding diseases like cancer is highlighted, with a focus on epigenetic therapy as a potential treatment avenue.

What is a key reason why eye color is not a simple trait to predict using Punnett squares?

• It is influenced by a single gene.

• It is a polygenic trait with many genes involved.

• It is determined by environmental factors.

• It is not inherited genetically.

What is the role of DNA methylation in gene expression?

• It changes the DNA sequence.

• It prevents transcription.

• It enhances transcription.

• It has no effect on transcription.

How does histone acetylation affect DNA transcription?

• It tightens DNA packing, preventing transcription.

• It has no effect on DNA packing.

• It loosens DNA packing, allowing transcription.

• It changes the DNA sequence.

In the example of rats, what behavior of mother rats influences the GR gene expression in their offspring?

• Aggressive behavior

• Licking and grooming

• Feeding habits

• Sleeping patterns

What is the effect of a high-methyl diet on the agouti gene in mice?

• It changes the DNA sequence of the agouti gene.

• It has no effect on the agouti gene.

• It decreases the expression of the agouti gene.

• It increases the expression of the agouti gene.

Why is the field of epigenetics important in understanding diseases like cancer?

• It proves that all diseases are genetic.

• It shows how gene expression can be altered without changing the DNA sequence.

• It explains how genetic mutations occur.

• It suggests that cancer is not influenced by genetics.

What is the potential benefit of epigenetic therapy in medical treatment?

• It eliminates all genetic diseases.

• It targets epigenetic marks to modify gene expression.

• It has no impact on medical treatment.

• It can change the DNA sequence to cure diseases.